Denmark is strengthening its military presence in Greenland in response to rising concerns over a potential confrontation with Russia. According to a Bloomberg report published on October 31, Copenhagen is expanding its maritime defense capabilities on the island, including deploying patrol aircraft to monitor and counter submarines. “We are considering future threat scenarios we may have to deal with,” said Søren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command in Greenland.
Growing tensions and Arctic militarization
Moscow has dismissed Western warnings of a Russian threat to NATO as “nonsense.” Speaking at the Valdai Forum, President Vladimir Putin accused European leaders of “hysteria,” but Danish intelligence warns the risk of escalation in the Arctic is higher than ever. Russia’s new weapons systems, its cooperation with China in the Bering Strait, and increased naval activity near Norway — including the so-called “shadow fleet” — have raised Copenhagen’s alarm. In September, Denmark held its largest-ever exercises in Greenland, focused not on rescue missions but on combat readiness.
Strategic importance of Greenland
Greenland’s location between North America and Europe makes it indispensable for Western security. Russian nuclear submarines can hide under Arctic ice and, in case of war, could target Europe or North America. Control over the Greenland-Iceland-UK corridor is crucial to containing Russian submarine forces that threaten transatlantic lines. Climate change is opening new Arctic sea routes, intensifying global competition. Russia patrols the Northern Sea Route, while China seeks to expand its Arctic footprint through joint projects, prompting NATO to adapt its presence to ensure freedom of navigation and protect allied interests.
Denmark’s new Arctic defense package
On October 10, the Danish government unveiled its second Arctic defense package, committing $6.5 billion to bolster security around Greenland. The plan includes anti-submarine patrol aircraft, new Arctic-capable ships and icebreakers, special forces units, a nuclear monitoring station, an early-warning radar, and reconnaissance drones. This investment marks Denmark’s largest-ever Arctic military initiative and aims to strengthen its ability to detect and respond to hybrid and conventional threats in the region.
NATO’s perspective and U.S. interests
For President Donald Trump’s administration, Greenland has long been of vital security importance. Trump even proposed purchasing the island from Denmark, a suggestion that spurred renewed debate within NATO and accelerated investment in Arctic defense infrastructure. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has emphasized that “the defense of the Arctic is vital for our security,” pointing to growing military activity and resource competition in the region. Modern radar and sensor systems on Greenland now serve as key components of NATO’s early-warning network, providing critical intelligence on missile launches and submarine movements.
Military imbalance and future challenges
Despite increased efforts, NATO still lags behind Russia in Arctic military capabilities. Moscow maintains the world’s largest icebreaker fleet, specialized Arctic brigades, and dozens of modernized bases along its northern coast equipped with airfields, radars, and air defense systems. Denmark continues to face criticism for outdated equipment, while new vessels and drones remain under development, leaving a temporary window of vulnerability in the near term.
